Norwegians more value-conservative than our neighbours

Norwegians are significantly more sceptical to self-determined abortion and same-sex marriage than citizens in other countries in Northern Europe.

The independent Think-tank, the Pew Research Center, launched a major survey three years ago in Europe, where nearly 56,000 persons in 34 different countries were asked about their attitudes to religion, minorities, self-abortion, gender-based marriage and other value issues.

Now the analysis is complete. It reveals a deep gap between Eastern and Western Europe, but also that Norwegians are considerably more conservative on several questions than for example Swedes and Danes.

Half believe in God

In the survey, 19 per cent of Norwegians states that religion is a very important part of their lives.

The proportion was lower in 15 of the 34 countries included in the survey. In Sweden, the share is 10 per cent, while in Denmark it is at 8 per cent.

Just about half of Norwegians say that they believe in God.

Here the numbers in the survey vary greatly. At the bottom is the Czech Republic, where only 29 per cent of the respondents say they believe in God. At the opposite end, Georgia is on 99 per cent.

Clear majority support self-determined abortion

A solid majority of 81 per cent of respondents in Norway say they are in favour of self-determined abortion, while 17 per cent is against. In Sweden, it is 94 per cent for and only 3 per cent against, while 92 per cent is in favour and 6 per cent against in Denmark.

Same-sex marriage is supported by 72 per cent of the respondents in Norway, whilst 19 per cent are against.

Ten countries boast higher support for same-sex marriage than Norwegians, with Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands presiding on the top.

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